Mayale of Museums

A weekend when nearly all museums come together in one place. On May 24–25, the 28th edition of Museum May Day, Hungary’s largest museum festival, returns to the garden of the Hungarian National Museum with nearly 100 museums and exhibitors, free admission, and a festive open-air atmosphere for all ages.

Organized in connection with International Museum Day (ICOM), this year’s event embraces the themes of changing perspectives and shifting mindsets, aiming to show that museums are inclusive, welcoming, and accessible spaces where everyone can feel at home. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy free entry to the exhibitions inside the Hungarian National Museum and explore a wide array of cultural institutions in the outdoor pavilions set up on the museum grounds.

The festival begins on Saturday, May 24 at 10:45 AM with an official opening ceremony and the presentation of the Museum of the Year Award, followed by a two-day series of cultural programs, live music, storytelling, guided tours, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Featured performers and participants include:
– Bertalan Sárkány
– Zoltán Krulik and Sári Bede
– BudaPesme
– The Customs and Finance Guard Band
– Legato Choir of the School for the Blind
– Panna Pejtsik & András Ádám Horváth duo
– György Ferenczi and the 1st Pest Rackák
– Ádám Móser
– HOBO
– Lili Rácmolnár and literary curator Anna Juhász in conversation about Attila József
– Closing concert: Nagy László Evening by János Csík and his band (Saturday night, Ceremonial Hall)

In addition to outdoor concerts and exhibitions, the museum’s interior will host guided tours, interactive family programs, creative workshops, and accessibility-friendly experiences. Whether a cultural enthusiast or a casual visitor, everyone is welcome to take part in this inspiring, inclusive event that celebrates Hungary’s diverse museum scene.

Date: May 24–25, 2025 (Saturday–Sunday), programs start from 10:00 AM
Location: Hungarian National Museum, 14–16 Múzeum körút, 1088 Budapest
Admission: Free of charge; some programs require advance registration

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